2004 El Nido Clio

Very dark crimson. Very beautiful simple label – rather obvious sweet American oak on the nose. I’d sip this cautiously with some salty cheese at the end of a meal but it’s just too much to drink with a main course (I did try…). Massive. Reasonable balance but there’s no hiding that alcohol! Monastrell with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. (JR)

The 2004 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio is an interesting wine in that while it has this rich, very sweet fruit profile, it still has the acid and structure to come across as balanced and light. The nose shows huge black and blue berry fruit, melted licorice, earth, dark chocolate, vanilla and a seriously heavy dose of oak that surprisingly, actually integrates by day two. The fruit is on the dark spectrum and so sweet, it almost seems like there's some residual sugar. If you don't like the big, sweet cali cabs, this isn't for you. Full bodied, powerful and balanced with just a stunning, mouth-filling texture and a long finish.

The consulting winemaker at Bodegas El Nido is Chris Ringland of Barossa Valley fame. The 2004 Clio is 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 70% Monastrell (from 63-year-old vines) which received malolactic fermentation in new oak followed by 26 months of aging in new French and American barriques. A glass-coating opaque purple, it exhibits a sensational nose of earth, mushroom, leather, blueberry, and blackberry jam. On the palate the wine is supple-textured, complex, with vibrant flavors of spicy blue and black fruits and a big-time WOW factor. This is a totally hedonistic effort with exceptional length and balance. It is remarkably light on its feet for such a powerful wine. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767